Iron Horse Music Hall

20 Center St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA

Address:	20 Center St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA
Phone:	+1 413-586-8686
Site:	iheg.com
Rating:	3.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Chris Malis

I have been attending shows at the Horse since the early 80s, long before they "expanded" by adding a few tables on the second level. It is by far one of my favorite venues to hear live music. Over the decades they have presented artists such as Fairport Convention and Richard Thompson (solo acoustic!), to my favorite 21st century live band, The Grand Slambovians (aka Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams). As there has never been reserved seating there, we always try to be standing in line when the doors open at 5:30, both to get a good table near the stage, and to enjoy a leisurely dinner from their fine menu before the show starts at 7:00pm. And they have an extensive selection of local, regional and national beers to choose from. The Iron Horse is one of the most intimate venues in which to see live music. In short, I would highly recommend an evening for you and 250 +/- of your closest friends at The Iron Horse anytime.

Tara Tomany

My sister and I took my mom to see Judy Collins last night at the Iron Horse. I live northwest of Boston and we have seen several artists in smaller venues, such as the Bull Run in Shirley, MA. After standing in line for nearly 30 minutes for tickets which were already purchased, we were finally seated. We were seated by 6:00 and we placed our order at 6:15. We received our drinks about 10 minutes later, but our food was not served until 7:30. The waitress was curt, offered no apologies, and never returned to ask if we needed any further drink/ food. I love good music and Im willing to overlook "dirty" surroundings and treacherous staircases with single bathrooms, but rude service is simply unforgiveable. Suggestions: Skip it and head to the Bull Run or Tupelo in NH--always a smile and great facilities.

Sam Melnick

My favorite venue of all time. I cannot say enough good things about Iron Horse. I saw many shows here during college and I have no complaints. The sound is impeccable, the beer selection is decent, the crowds are good, and it is the right size where you can truly connect with the musicians. People complain about the prices and I suppose it is a bit high. However, to that I say they bring in high quality acts and the atmosphere and sound is unbeatable. I have been to many venues where the sound sucks and the atmosphere is weak, I will gladly pay 10-20% more for these perks of the Iron Horse. In terms of mistreating musicians, I dont know of this, if I did maybe I would drop my ranking down. If you love music, are a sound snob, and want a great venue the Iron Horse is a must!

David Moquin

Great place for live music...food, not so much. Hence the 2 missing stars. Same menu for years and it kind of sux. Waitresses can be nasty and aloof. (not all, I dont mean to generalize, but some are). They dont have to worry about any of this tho because they have that music. (Which is always top notch) Also the rest rooms are usually filthy. Being a guy this is no biggie, but for the women... yuck!! Again they dont need to care because everyone goes to see the music and tolerates these inconveniences. Too bad about the food tho, cause Id gladly give them my food $$$. It would be way more convenient. We usually just eat someplace else before or after the show.

Althea Chen Williams

We were coming from out of town, excited to see the 10 pm sinkane show. Bouncer would not let us in at 9 30, (as advertised on the website) because previous band hadnt cleared out, nor would he tell us when we could expect to come back. So we waited for 25 min. Checked in twice. He said we couldnt wait in the vestibule, and did not offer a time we could come back. At last check, there wasnt anyone in the bar, and the band was just beginning to set up. And he still wouldnt let us in. We left.

John Murphy

Iron Horse Entertainment runs the hall as well as the Calvin Theatre, Pearl Street Ballroom, and The Basement. They consistently bring in incredible talent - big names and artists on the brink of taking off. Ive gone to shows the past three years of my undergrad experience and have yet to walk out of a show unimpressed. They definitely provide the vibes for musicians to play a great show.

Guy Skaggs

Cant speak to how the owner treats others but waitress worked really hard and service was better than good, esp considering sold out show. Greeter was awesome- made everyone feel special and worked to seat everyone in acceptable seats. Drinks were fine. Only possible knock was though we didnt have food what we saw didnt look very appetizing. Oh and for sure...Get here EARLY!

Tom Martin

Legendarily intimate environment for musicians and performance artists. Acoustics are perfect, crisp, must be experienced! Table and chair setting, cramped, general admission. Table service, waitresses aim to please. Food and drinks are limited, greatly overpriced, very subpar quality. But youre not here for the food! 5 stars for acoustics, 3 stars for everything else.

Thomas Leahy

This is a very unique venue in terms of the architecture and the way seating is arranged. It has a similar feel to how you would imagine the Roadhouse in the Twin Peaks universe to translate in real life. The sketchy pay-to-play methods the owner forces on local bands and the outrageously high prices for very small cups of beer on draft deduct two stars however.

Rootsgal

Its pretty tiny of a venue for music. Intimate but adequate. The people that work here were not the most congenial. Something to work on. I saw Culture here and I am going to catch Sawyer Fredricks December 18, 2016. He is wicked unplugged, but his band is pretty awesome too. They do not accommodate people with disabilities as far as seating goes.

Casey Mailman

This place needs an update so badly. The music is fantastic and the acts they attract are enjoyable. The food is horrific, seats are uncomfortable, tables are tiny and old. The menus are filthy and have some of the same crappy offerings for the past 2 decades. Eat and drink somewhere else before you come see a concert here.

Mikey R

Over the years the acts have become more home grown and less big name. Love the room. Dont care about paper towels on the floor of the one person bathrooms. Catch a buzz before entering. Drinks and beer are ridiculously priced. Food is blah. So, go for the music...shun the bar and kitchen. Ps...never been cold inside.

A Private User

Went to the Iron Horse to watch a small bluegrass band. Waitress service (and attitude) was the worst Ive ever encountered. Literally had to go searching for her to place an order. She was not the least bit apologetic. She got a 5% tip and that was more than she deserved. As an aside, the band was magnificent.

GUY SHOW

$37.20 for four watered down drinks. Then we attempted to buy three caronas which cast $20.00. I expected to pay extra but i believe you should get what you pay for. The only thing that made me stay was the atmosphere. That was due to the type of crowd. If you plan on coming here pre-game is a must.

Kaitlin McQueen

Intimate, and great lighting for concerts, it could totally use some more chairs, and definitely more comfortable chairs. I think theyre going for the wooden rustic look, but its not vert comfortable. But perfect for little concerts, not overwhelming, and you can see from wherever youre sitting.